Colgrove-Woodruff Camp No. 22
Battle Creek, Michigan

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NAVAL VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES
      The objects for which the Grand Army of the Republic was organized appeal as strongly to the loyal sailor as to his soldier brother. Naturally, therefore, the G.A.R. early absorbed into its ranks large numbers of Naval Veterans, and it was not because of any change in principles that many old sailors in the course of time decided to withdraw from the G.A.R., and form Naval Associations, but rather that the Naval Veterans might be united in closer bonds of fraternity.
      Prior to the year 1887 a number of Independent Societies, composed exclusively of Naval Veterans, had been formed at various times in different sections throughout the country, and on the 13th clay of January, 1887, eight of these Veteran societies met in convention at New York city, where the "National Association of Naval Veterans of the United States" was formed, with Charles W. Adams, of Illinois, as first Commodore. At this convention, a constitution, together with a uniform, national badge, and a recognition lapel button, was adopted and other important matters for the welfare of the local associations decided upon.

OBJECTS OF THE ORDER
      The objects of this National Organization are "to cherish the memory and association of the War of the Rebellion; to perpetuate the glorious name and deeds of our Navy; to strengthen the ties of fraternal fellowship and sympathy; to extend relief to worthy members; to bury their dead; and to maintain the honor of the American flag;" in short, "mutual benefit, better recognition by Federal, State, and municipal authorities, a higher elevation of our old messmates, and a cementing of the bonds of friendship, which were begun more than a quarter of a century ago, and an independent, but concerted, action of Naval Veterans throughout the country."

ELIGIBILITY TO MEMBERSHIP
      "To become a member of this Order, the applicant must have been an officer, seaman, landsman, fireman, or marine; or one who served in the United States Navy from 1861 to 1865, or who was in the revenue cutter service during that period, and who resigned or was honorably discharged from the service." "Shipmates" who are isolated and not within easy reach of a local association may become "Associate Members " by the payment of a small fee, and thus become entitled to wear the uniform, badge, and button, and parade with the Order annually.
      Ten "Shipmates" can form an association, and upon the payment of five dollars ($5) receive from the Rear Admiral commanding a charter, set of rituals, and service books.
      The association has a uniform and rank insignia, not unlike that worn by the officers of the "Old Navy," in which they served, and flies the "Union Jack" as its service colors.
      The work of this organization is carried on much after the manner of the Grand Army of the Republic, yet purely distinctive of naval routine and customs. A National Convention is held yearly in connection with the G.A.R. encampments, and the national officers for the following year are then elected. At the Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment of the G. A. R., held at Washington, September 20, 1892, over one thousand "Shipmates" were added to the National Roster of the Order, which now contains the names and addresses of about nine thousand living Naval Veterans.
      The Association is noted for the interest and enthusiasm of its members and the strong ties of friendship and comradeship existing among the " Shipmates." There are a large number of Naval Veterans in the G.A.R. Posts of all State Departments: in fact, most of the members of this Association have also a membership in the G.A.R.
      Most of the Naval Veteran Associations meet regularly once or twice a month, and all of them hold yearly reunions, where the old "Blue jackets" spin over their yarns, fight over their battles, and, perhaps, "splice the main brace."
      The old Veterans are rapidly "losing the number of their mess," and, in a few short years, there will be left but a "quarter watch" of useless human hulks. "May they find happiness and contentment as they lie moored in the still waters of the stream of life, calmly awaiting the inevitable hour when the frail cable shall part and they drift away into the great ocean of eternity."
      The following is a list of the active Naval Veteran Societies of the United States:
... Michigan Naval Veterans' Association, Detroit, Mich...